The Power of Community
“A friend loves at all times, and a brother is born for a time of adversity.” – Proverbs 17:17
Dear Friends,
Let me tell you a quick story…
This past Saturday we gathered for the monthly Men’s Breakfast (8a) and Women’s Brunch (9:45a). Several of the “regular” guys were out of town, so there were only two tables of us. We had a simple breakfast of sausage links, scrambled eggs and french toast – along with the obligatory coffee, of course! In addition to catching up with what’s been going on in our lives, we sang a few songs and read and reflected on a devotional about silence and solitude.
In the middle of it, one of the men mentioned that on Friday, he’d been laid off from his job. He had taken some time to sit and reflect, and told his wife that he would continue to trust in God, even though he didn’t know exactly what he was going to do.
After we prayed and packed up, one of the men who was there, approached him, because he knew his company was hiring. He said to give a call on Monday and he’d see what he could do.
Fast forward two days, and I got a text message:
“FYI: (our friend), from the men’s breakfast, came in to drop off his resume, ended up getting a full interview, offered the job and accepted it. Lord works in mysterious ways”
My jaw almost hit the floor!
What an AMAZING story! Not 48 hours after that breakfast, here he is with a brand new job!
Now imagine, if you would, if he’d never mentioned his lost job. Imagine if he’s just kept silent and kept it to himself. He doesn’t share… and no one invites him to apply. Or imagine if when he was reminded of the breakfast, he decided he “just wasn’t up for getting together after this bad news” – he never comes, he never shares, he never gets invited to apply.
I think God was at work in 3 big ways here:
First, despite the heartache and uncertainty, he chose to lean into a community of brothers.
Second, he trusted them with his story enough to share what was really going on in his life.
Third, another brother stepped out to invite him to apply. It went beyond prayers and words of encouragement to a step of action.
And God was weaving it all together to make something good, no better!
This is an example of the power of God in community. I’m so grateful to be part of a community that is open, listening and seeking to bless with the love of Jesus Christ!
And I encourage you, plug in, dig in, be community for others and be a blessing to others, and see the amazing ways that God can do great things in you and through you!
Welcoming You to Grow in Jesus,
Pastor Don